Antique Safes/Expert Profile

Terry V. Andreasen (Andy)

Expertise

Safe and Vault related Questions;
Antique Safe Repair and Restoration;
With over 40 years in the Safe & Vault industry, if I can't answer your question I know where to get the answer.
Current Project: Restoration of two Tilton & McFarland Safes from the 1860's. Will answer Safe & Vault related questions concerning age, value, restoration, moving, opening & repairing, parts, operation and history.
Note: It is not my intention to teach you to open safes or to provide information which may aid in the unlawful opening of a safe. I will not give out drill points or information which I deem inappropriate.

What do you like about this subject?

This has been more than a hobby for almost 40 years, it is more like a passion. I enjoy researching the antique safes and the histories of the manufactures. This isn't just a career for me, it is a lifestyle.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

I would like to pass on some of my passion for the older safes to the younger generations, while at the same time providing consumer awareness for the current fire and burglary standards that they should be using to protect their valuables.
Currently working on a "guide to antique safes" which will list most of the known manufactures from the mid 1800's through the early 1900's.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

Knowledge of the antique safes is dying off rapidly. Locksmiths and safemen who are new to the industry don't want to take the time to learn the rich heritage of their profession. The older safemen are not passing on this history and it is fast becoming lost.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

Unfortunately the only safes that most people see are the el-cheapo's from the discount stores. It is really pleasing to find people with older safes that want to restore them to their original grandeur.
Part of my goal is to educate you on what kinds of protection a real burglary safe or fire safe will provide to make you an informed consumer.